A pledge by the city of Birmingham to accept 50 refugees fleeing the war in Syria is another step closer after a national charity was appointed to welcome the newcomers.
With the first group of new arrivals from Syria due later this month, charity Refugee Action will support and settle them into new homes and communities.
The newcomers have already established their refugee status at United Nations camps in Turkey and the Lebanon and their relocation and living costs for at least the first two years will be funded by the Home Office.
Refugee Action will help them get around, settle children at school, learn English and introduce them to their new community. The news comes ahead of a crucial vote in the House of Commons tomorrow on whether to commit air strikes in Syria.
Sir Albert Bore, on his last day as leader of Birmingham City Council, confirmed the contract with Refugee Action and called on communities to welcome the refugees.
"Refugee Action will offer invaluable expertise and knowledge as we make every effort to ensure the new arrivals begin their new lives as smoothly as possible in their new neighbourhoods," he said.
He added that the first arrivals would be here by the end of December with the remainder coming early in 2016.
"Birmingham has a rich and proud history of offering a warm welcome and support to new citizens from around the world," said Sir Albert.
"This is the latest chapter in that story of successful integration.
"It comes after a commitment earlier this year to offer shelter to 50 Syrians, a pledge that then received cross-party support at September's council meeting."
He added Birmingham was edging towards formal City of Sanctuary status with a meeting with planned for this Friday.
The status is given to cities which have facilities and commitments from communities to welcome and integrate refugees who have fled war and persecution.
Refugee Action chief executive Stephen Hale added: "This is a proud moment for the city of Birmingham and we are delighted to be working with the council to welcome and resettle Syrian refugees.
"Building on Refugee Action's 30 years' experience of delivering successful resettlement programmes, we look forward to working closely with the council and the people of Birmingham to help these refugees rebuild their lives with dignity and integrate with their local community."
